Self-service system for storage and utilization of fuel gases



Aug. 1, 1944. RQW. THOMAS SELF SERVICE SYSTEM FDR STORAGE AND UTILIZATION OF FUEL GASES 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 2, 1941 lNVENTOR ROSSWELL w. THOMAS ATI'O NE Aug. 1, 1944.

SELF SERVICE SYSTEM R. W. THOMAS FOR STORAGE AND UTILIZATION OF FUEL GASES Filed May 2, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR ROSSWELL W. THOMAS BY Z Toast/ Aug. 1, 1944.

SELF SERVICE SYSTEM R. w. THOMAS 2,354,894

FOR STORAGE AND UTILIZATION OF FUEL GASES Filed May 2, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR ROSSWELL W. THOMAS Patented Aug. 1, 1944 SELF-SERVICE SYSTEM FOR STORAGE AND UTILIZATION OF FUEL GASES Rosswell W. Thomas, Birmingham, Mich., assignor to Phillips Petroleum Company, a corporation of Delaware Application May 2, 1941, Serial No. 391,596

6 Claims.

This invention relates to the storage and utilization of fluids under pressure. More particularly it relates to a self-service system for storage and utilization of liquefied gases or gases under high pressures for use in home appliances.

In recent years there has developed an increased use of liquefied gases for fuel purposes by consumers living beyond city gas mains. Individual containers of the liquid or gas under pressure, such as petroleum gases, propane and butane or the like, readily vaporizing at normal atmospheric temperatures and pressure are connected to service lines leading to the consumer's appliances. Then upon adjustment of a control fuel gas is supplied to the burner as desired.

Heretofore such units for storing and dispensing fuel gas have been improved in design rendering them less bulky and more desirable in other ways than the early large and cumbersome units. These early units satisfactory for industrial uses or large demands proved too heavy and expensive to meet the service requirements of the consumer having a light or home appliance load. Another disadvantage of such units, as far as adapting it for use in small homes, was the requirement of a skilled attendant to connect or disconnect the service equipment. These and other defects were remedied as illustrated in applicant's U. S. Patent No. 2,172,310, issued on September 5, 1939.

However, a problem still confronted the industry of devising a still more satisfactory and economical self-service unit susceptible of complete consumer operation in order to supply a large number of potential consumers having a light or seasonal demand. Such a demand is experienced in areas where there are numerous small houses or cottages, as in summer vacation resorts.

Applicant has devised a self-service system meeting the requirements of this type of service. This has been accomplished by greatly simplifying the present system in many ways, through redesigning the fuel container and connections as well as the fuse-plug and safety valve.

An object of this invention is to provide a simplified self-service system for the storage and utilization of gaseous fuel.

Another object of applicants invention is to provide such a system which will be portable as well as compact, safe, easy and economical to operate.

Still another object of this invention is the provision of a self-service system easy to install,

which will require little attention between times of replenishing the supply, and being locked in place is substantially tamper-proof.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a small, preferably spherical container to hang from the bottom of a regulatorbracket assembly suspended therefrom by the handle of the container.

Another and further object of applicants invention is to provide a pressure tight assembly with a slip connection between the fuel container and the combined pressure regulator and mounting bracket, thereby eliminating the necessity for a manually operated screw threaded connection.

Another and still further object of this invention is the provision of a combination fuse-plughandle bracket and a combined high pressure safety relief valve-handle bracket.

Still other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification, and in which- Figure 1 is a view of one embodiment of applicant's system partly in elevation and partly in vertical transverse section through the fuel container, pressure regulator, and mounting bracketthe mounting bracket disclosed as attached to the wall of a building and illustrating details of the connection between the container and the pressure regulator;

Figure 2 is a view partly in elevation and partly in vertical section through the fuel container as it is suspended from a pressure regulator by means of the handle and showing details of the combination fuse plug-handle bracket and the combination high pressure safetyhandle bracket;

Figure 3 is an enlarged cross sectional view of improved connection between the fuel container and the pressure regulator;

Figure 4 is a side elevation of the upper portion of a fuel container, fragmentarilyshown, and wherein the outlet is sealed by a dust cap as used after the container has been disconnected from the regulator;

Figure 5 is a, view of a modified type of improved container partly in elevation and partly in vertical transverse section through the container, regulator, and mounting bracket similar to Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a side elevation of the modified form of container shown in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a side elevation of the upper portion of a fuel container, fragmentarily shown, and wherein the outlet is sealed by a stopper as for handling transportation or storage;

Figure 8 is a view of a modified type of improved connector, in vertical transverse section through the connector, with the upper portion of a fuel container fragmentarily shown and the gas inlet of the pressure regulator partly in elevation and partly in vertcial section;

Figure 9 is a view of another modification of this invention having the connector and gas inlet conduit of the regulator in elevation, with the upper portion of a fuel container fragmentarily shown, and hooks having the lower ends of a, bail attached are partly in vertical section and partly in elevation; and

Figure 10 is a view of a further modified type of connector in vertical transverse section through the connector, with the upper portion of a fuel container fragmentarily shown and the gas inlet of the regulator partly in elevation and partly in vertical section. Hooks for the bail having pressure and temperature safety devices therein are shown in elevation.

Referring now particularly to Figure 1 of the drawings, a container l5, preferably spherical, for gaseous fuel which may be in the form of liquefied petroleum gases or other fuel under pressure is illustrated. The container may be of any suitable size or capacity but must be adapted to contain fluids under high pressure which when released may be utilized as gaseous fuel. A spherical container is preferred by the applicant due to the simplicity of fabrication and lighter construction, which may be used without sacrificing strength or safety factor, with a resulting lower manufacturing cost. Another feature of this spherical container is that it is constructed, by stamping or other suitable means, with a concavo-convex bottom 16 bulging upwardly and forming an integral part thereof which presents a flat or horizontal base 11, Figures 1 and 2, serving to hold the container in an upright position when it is standing in storage or not connected and in use. This construction eliminates the usual supporting base, now required, of the general type shown at It in Figures 5 and 6, and provides an added safety factor in that if the pressure within the container I5 rises excessively, and there is a failure of the relief valve or fuse plug to function, bottom IE will be forced out of position and into a spherical form aligning with the periphery of the sphere. This will allow further expansion of the gases within the container before it ruptures.

Centrally of container l5, Figure 1, is a circular aperture 19 and welded thereto or fastened in any other suitable manner, is a collar 20. This collar has a bore extending throughout which is screw threaded to receive the lower threaded exterior 21 of tubular plug 22. Gasket 23 between the annular shoulder 24 of plug 22, which seats on the exterior of container l5, and aperture I9 assures a pressure tight seal and prevents leakage.

Tubular plug 22, see Figure 3, has a central bore 25 extending from top to bottom, threaded at portion 26 to engage threads on the exterior of valve assembly 21. The lower part of the bore being of reduced diameter at 28 engages body member 29 of the valve assembly 21. External threads at 30 on the upper end of plug 22 are for the purpose of carrying a dust cap 3|, illustrated in Figure 4, which is screwed on after the container is disconnected. Preferably a,

standard tire valve dust cap is used and serves to protect the valve assembly 21.

In the annular shoulder 24 of plug 22 is a continuous circular groove 32 adapted to receive a flexible packing ring 33, preferably made of resilient material, such as rubber or any other equally compressible substance which will serve to form a fluid tight seal when pressure is applied. This sealing means prevents leakage between plug 22 and the tubular sleeve 34.

Completing this part of the assembly is the tubular sleeve 34 constructed with a bore in the lower part thereof of suflicient diameter to allow the sleeve to slip over without engaging the external threads 30 of plug 22. There is no threaded engagement between sleeve 34 and plug 22, see Figure 3, as previously described threads 30 do not engage sleeve 34, but serve only to carry the dust cap 3|. Sleeve 34 seats on packing 33 in groove 32 of shoulder 24 in a sealing engagement when container I5 is connected to pressure regulator 43. At the upper end sleeve 34 is externally threaded at 35 to engage threads, not shown, within the collar 36 of pressure regulator 43. Thus the push pin 31 slidably mounted in regulator 43 and adapted to operate within the interior 36 of sleeve 34, may be brought into contact with head 33 of valve assembly 21.

In this way head 33 may be depressed which unseats, that is, opens the valve assembly 21 and allows gas in container 15 to flow into regulator 43. In operation head 39 on being depressed forces the stem of the valve assembly downwardly against the action of a coil spring, not shown, within the body of the valve and against the unbalanced pressure of the fluid in the container. Since casing 29 is held stationary by means of the screw threaded engagement at 26 with plug 22, the cap portion 21-A of the valve will be uncovered from the reduced portion 40 permitting the flow of fluid through the interior of valve assembly 21. Thus, it will be seen that when the valve assembly is positioned in tubular plug 22, as shown in Figure 1, such movement of head 39 permits flow from the interior of container 15 through interior passage 41 of plug 22 into passage 42 of sleeve 34 which is attached to collar 36 of regulator 43.

With reference to Figure 2 of the drawings, container 15 is further provided with a second circular aperture 44 to which is welded a circular collar 45. This collar is bored throughout and threaded to receive threaded portion 46 of tubular plug 41. Gasket 48 assures a pressure tight relationship between the annular shoulder of plug 41 and aperture 44 of container I5. Plug 41 is centrally bored throughout its entire length and threaded to receive threaded exterior 43 of hook 56 in its upper end. Figure 2 shows hook 511 having an axial passage or bore 5| extending through the shank thereof placing the interior of tubular plug 41 in communication with the exterior of container 15.

Mounted within the central bore of plug 41 is a safety-relief valve assembly 52 having its upper end 53 externally threaded and held stationary to the interior of plug 41. Spring 54 in the valve stem seats cap 55 on the reduced portion 56 against the unbalanced pressure of the gas in container 15 and prevents leakage or escape of fluid to the atmosphere through passage 5| in hook 50. By adjustment the tension of spring 54 may be controlled to regulate the force with which it assists in maintaining the valve in the closed position. Thus in the event that the pressure within container l should rise excessively so as to become dangerous, valve assembly 52 functions as a relief valve. When pressure within the container, exerted on head 51, exceeds the force exerted by spring 54, cap 55 is unseated from the reduced portion 56, thereby allowing the interior of the container to be vented to the atmosphere through passage 5| in the shank oi hook 58 as previously described.

It is to be understood that the valve assemblies 21 and 52 shown mounted in reversed positions in the central bores of plug 22, Figures 1 and 3, and plug 41 of Figure 2, are substantially identical and interchangeable. These valve assemblies are preferably the usual valve core used in vehicle tires throughout the automotive industry.

A third circular aperture 58 is provided in container having a circular collar 59 welded thereto and which is centrally bored and threaded to engage the externally threaded portion 68 of plug 6|. Annular shoulder 62 of plug 81 is seated on gasket 83 forming a pressure tight seal between aperture 58 and plug 6|.

Plug 6| is also centrally bored, th lower part being of reduced diameter in relation to the upper part, to receive a standard fusible insert 64 incorporated as an integral part thereof and adapted to yield when the surrounding temperature raises to a predetermined danger point. The upper part of th bore is internally threaded to engage threads 65 on the exterior of the lower end of hook 58A.

Hook 58A is similar in design and construction to hook 58 and also has an axial passage 68 extending through the shank placing the interior of plug 6| in communication with the exterior of container l5. Thus in the event that there is a sufilcient rise in temperature to meet the fusible insert 64 the interior of the container will be vented to the atmosphere.

Handle 61 is attached by balls 68 to the hooks 58 and 58--A and provides a means for transporting the container l5. In addition, this handle is used to support and hold the container in place when it is connected to pressure regulator 43 as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

In operation the carrying plug 3|, Figure 4, is unscrewed, then as above described, the upper end of plug 22 may b inserted in sleeve 34 of regulator 43, the lower end of which will seat on packing ring 33. Handle 61 is then placed over the top of regulator housing 18 fitting into groove 1| extending along the top thereof. Hasp 12 hinged at 13 on regulator housing 18 is then placed over handle 61 as shown in Figures 1 and 2, and may be locked in place by inserting a padlock through loop 14 in the ordinary manner.

A modification of this locking device is shown in Figures 5 and 6, in that a hasp 15 hinged at 16 with a, loop 11 to receive the padlock is placed around the connection between container 18 and regulator 43 so as to include the bails 68 of handle 61. From this it will be seen that once the connection between the container and the regulator is made, and handle 61 placed in groove 1| on the top of regulator housing 18, and the hasp locked in place, it is impossible to remove the fuel container or otherwise tamper with the connection between it and the regulator.

It should be noted in connection with the construction of handle 61 that the balls 68 are of such length that when attached to hooks 58 and 68A and the handle secured on top of the regulator housing, a pressure tight sealing engagement is made between plug 22 and sleeve 34. Packing ring 33 being of resilient material is deformed by the seating of the lower end of sleeve 34, in the annular groove 32, thereby forming a seal in the usual manner.

Pressure regulator 43 is of standard design and construction, preferably of the type illustrated and described in applicant's U. S. Patent No. 2,212,626, granted August 27, 1948, or may i be similar to the one shown in copending patent ill) application, Serial No. 201,581, filed April 12, 1938, by Kenneth R. Lewis, with the additions of a hinged hasp and groove to receive the handle of the container heretofore described. A diaphragm 19 and push pin 31 are the only interior working elements of the regulator shown. Relief port 86 serve to vent service line 83 if a dangerously high pressure develops therein. The operation of this type of regulator being readily understood by reference to applicants above patent, it was not believed necessary to further describe lt here.

A novel feature of applicants invention resides in the combination regulator-bracket assembly. Bracket 88 forming an integral part of regulator 43 is fastened by screws 8| to the side of the consumers house or wall 82. In this way a permanent assembly comprising regulator 43, bracket 88 and service line 83, externally threaded at its upper end 84 to engage threads on the interior of regulator outlet port 85 are maintained. This service line 83 extends to the consumer's gas utilization equipment, not shown in the drawings, and may thus be rigidly constructed of piping Elimination in this way of the flexible service line connecting piece, as customarily used in selfservice equipment of this type, is one of the objects of this invention, such flexible lines having been found to complicate the construction and use of such equipment as well as increase the cost.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a modification of this invention. A spherical container 18 is shown having a base member i8 annular in shape which serves as a supporting member and to hold the container in an upright position when it is resting upon a floor or not otherwise connected to the self-service assembly. By way of example, this base may be formed from a ring of sheet metal welded to the exterior of the container.

Centrally of this container is a single aperture 88 in which is welded an annular collar 89 bored and internally threaded to receive a valved tap plug 88. This tap plug is of the type and construction disclosed in applicants U. S. Patent No. 2,172,311, issued September 5, 1939. It may include a tire core or similar type valve assembly 9| operated by a push pin 92, a fusible metal insert 83, and a safety-relief valve 94. Operation of this valve assembly in conjunction with nipple and handle 96 will be understood by reference to the above patent and for this reason is not more fully described herein.

A screw threaded upper portion of nipple 95, engages the internally threaded collar 36 of regulator 43 to complete the connection between fuel container 18 and the regulator and also serves to hold the container in place in respect to the regulator. Handle 61, with the bails 68 attached to the container in any suitable manner, may be suspended over the top of regulator housing 18 and locked in place as previously described herein. However, it will be seen that in this modification handle 61 does not serve to support the weight of the container or to maintain a pressure tight connection between it and the regulator when the system is in operation, due to the use of the threaded connection.

Figure 8 illustrates a modified type of connector for this invention. A container 18 having an aperture 88 in which is welded an annular collar 89 bored and internally threaded to receive a valved tap plug 90'. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this tap plug is similar to tap plug 90 of Figure 5. The valve assembly 9| operated by a push pin 92, the fusible metal insert 93, and safety-relief valve 94 are identical. Operation and connection of tap plug 90' in conjunction with the tubular sleeve 34 of the regulator is similar to that illustrated in Figure 3. Thus it will be seen that conduit 30' projecting from the upper end of plug 90' may be inserted in sleeve 34 of the regulator and this sleeve extends down into an interior annular groove in plug 90' carrying a flexible packing ring. A sealing engagement is thereby made between the container and the regulator when the handle 61 attached to the bails 68 is placed in position over the top of the regulator as previously described.

Figure 9 illustrates the container of Figure 8, for example, with the bails 68 of the carrying handle attached to hooks 819'lA which may be threaded so as to be screwed into plugs 58 secured in the outer wall of the container. These hooks may be directly welded to the exterior of the container if preferred.

Figure 10 illustrates another modification of applicant's invention. Here the safety devices mounted within the hooks 50-50-A shown and described for Figure 2 are used. Container l has a central aperture in which is welded a collar 89' bored and internally threaded to receive a valve tap plug 90". This plug is constructed with the valve assembly 9i only and does not have the relief valve assembly and the fusible insert integral therewith. These, as previously described above, are mounted within the hooks 50-50--A. Connection of the container to the regulator through plug 90" is made by means of the nipple 95 in conjunction with handle 96.

It is to be understood that th forms of the invention, herewith shown and described, are preferred examples of the same and that various modifications may be made therein without materially departing from the spirit of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. A liquefied fuel gas dispensing system comprising a pressure regulator connected to a supporting member; a container for the gas removably connected to the pressure regulator and in communication therewith; a service line for delivery of gas to gas-consuming appliances connected to the pressure regulator; and carrying means separate from the regulator connection attached to said container coacting with the pressure regulator to support the said container.

2. In a liquefied fuel gas dispensing system, the combination of: a gas pressure regulator adapted to be rigidly mounted on a wall having an inlet and outlet conduit attached thereto; a container for the gas having a gas dispensing conduit projecting therefrom formed to slidably connect with the inlet conduit-of said regulator and place said container and regulator in communication; and means separate from the regulator inlet attached to the container adapted to co-act with the regulator to hold the inlet conduit of said regulator and the gas dispensing conduit of said container in alignment.

3. In a liquefied fuel gas dispensing system, the combination of a gas pressure regulator having inlet and outlet conduits attached; a portable container for the gas having a handle attached thereto and suspended thereby from the said regulator; and a connector between the container and the regulator comprising a body member having a passageway therethrough secured in the container, said body member having a shoulder projecting therefrom seating on the exterior of the container and provided with a circumferential groove holding a ring of deformable material therein, said ring being contacted by the inlet conduit of the regulator to form a sealing engagement.

4. A connector for a self-service liquefied fuel gas dispensing container suspended from a gas pressure regulator comprising a body member having a passageway therethrough and adapted to be secured in the container, said body member having a shoulder projecting therefrom provided with a circumferential groove carrying a ring of deformable material therein, and said body member having an upwardly extending portion and adapted to slidably engage with the regulator and clamping means separate from said passage connected with the container and adapted to hold said upwardly extending portion in engagement with the regulator.

5. A liquefied fuel gas dispensing system comprising a gas pressure regulator adapted to be mounted on a wall, said regulator having gas inlet and outlet conduits connected thereto; a service line from the gas consuming appliances connected to the outlet conduit of said regulator; a portable container for the gas having a closure member therein consisting of a valved tap plug, said closure member having a screw threaded connection with the inlet conduit of said regulator; a carrying bail for the container attached thereto; and means for locking the bail on top of the regulator when the container and regulator are connected.

6. A liquefied fuel gas dispensing system comprising a gas pressure regulator having gas inlet conduit projecting therefrom; a portable container for the gas having a connecting member projecting therefrom adapted to slidably engage with the inlet conduit of the said regulator, and said container having a carrying bail attached thereto adapted to hold the container and regulator in communication.

ROSSWELL W. THOMAS. 

